Remain calm, Muslims urged

By  Jeff Lule, U. Kashaka, S. Nakandha, S. Saad and I. Anguyo

Muslims have been urged to remain calm and disregard the recent film which reportedly demonized Islam and Prophet Mohammad.

Delivering their messages during Juma prayers on Friday, leaders strongly condemned the film but appealed to Muslims to exercise calmness.

“This should not divert you from your principles. It should only give you courage to strengthen your faith. The films are a figment of people’s imaginations and are not true,” Sheikh Rajab Kakooza said.

Kakooza who was addressing Muslims at Old Kampala Mosque, described the film and cartoons as acts of “aggression and provocation” to the Muslim fraternity.

He appealed to Muslims to desist from any kind of protest but condemn the act in the strongest possible terms.
 
At Kibuli Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Kasule strongly condemned the film but appealed to the faithful to just loathe it.

“These things are not new in the history of Islam. The early Muslims encountered suffering and adversity. The Prophet was insulted; tribes plotted against him, he was stoned but remained resolute and accomplished his mission,” Sheikh Kasule remarked.

He added that the only way Muslims can express their disapproval is by hating the act deep in their hearts and not resort to violence.
 
At Kansanga mosque, Sheikh Twaha Bbaale asked Muslims to stick to Islamic foundations and avoid being driven away by extremists whose intentions are unknown.

“These people have a motive which we can’t tell. That’s why they keep on provoking us. Just ignore and continue reading the Koran to guide you on how to overcome such difficulties,” Bbaale implored.

At Wandegeya, Sheikh Nasif Kakembo urged Muslims to be patient and learn from Prophets like Ibrahim and Yusuf who with Allah’s guidance defeated their enemies.

“The patience and self-sacrifice these Prophets exercised enabled them to win God’s blessings and He was pleased with them,” he added.

Kyambogo University Imam, Sheikh Abdul Nasir Mutyaba said Muslims should ignore and concentrate on the pilgrimage.